Prior to commencing a catering business in Georgia you must have a valid catering license. In order to obtain that catering license you must meet certain requirements and you must follow specific steps before the Health Authorities will authorize a valid permit for your catering business. The exact steps required in order to obtain a catering license or permit in Georgia are outlined below.

Steps

1

Qualify for a permit.

Before applying for a catering license or permit in Georgia, you must first be sure that you meet all the criteria that will qualify you for the permit. You must be the owner of a food related business or be the officer in such a business, and this business must already be registered as a legal entity.

Before your permit will be granted you must have completed an accredited food safety training program that results in a certified food safety manager certification, or somebody else on your staff must hold this certification.

2

Fill out forms.

Permits and licensing are overseen by the Health Authority in each county. Each county will have its own forms and fees. The form to apply for a catering permit, however, will ask for similar information regardless in which county you're applying. Information that will be asked will include: applicant's personal information and the personal information of any officers of the business, information about the legal entity of the business, if the business operates from a fixed establishment or if it is mobile, the kinds of foods to be prepared and the physical address of the establishment.

3

Pay applicable fees.

The fees can vary from county to county, but before your permit will be processed you must have paid all the applicable fees.

4

Allow a site visit.

Prior to authorizing your permit, the Health Authority for the county in which you're applying will ask for access to see your catering facilities be they mobile or in a building. All equipment must be up to current codes otherwise the inspector will ask that you make modifications prior to granting you a permit.

5

Display your permit.

Once you have your permit, in order for it to remain valid it must be posted in a clearly visible location where both the public and any visiting inspectors can clearly see it.